video games are good, except when they're not

December 16, 2016March 30, 2017

Day #351: VVVVVV

With my increasing age comes both the fear and revelation that my once-legendary reaction time will soon be no more. As someone that’s always been an enthusiast of games but never comfortable at claiming to be particularly good at any of them outside of masochistic 2D platformers, it’s a hard pill to swallow.

I do what I can to delay the inevitable, getting in a few quick levels of Super Meat Boy whenever I have the time. It’s a game that I’ve always intended to write about, but thinking critically about it sort of flies in the face of what has been its primary function to me for all these years. VVVVVV is of the same ilk, really, an experience based strictly around its very particular laws of movement. It’s a game that’s equal parts punishing and joy-inducing, soothing the outrage of your frequent deaths with one of the best chiptune soundtracks you’ll ever hear.

In an attempt to see just how far my motor skills have deteriorated, I thought I should revisit one of the more insane sections of the game, where our hero needs to navigate a kilometer of twisting spikes because a waist-high wall is in his way. It’s appropriately titled “Doing Things the Hard Way”.

It took me several hours, but I’m pleased to say that I did it. I’m sure that this was completely worth the effort and will solve all of my self-esteem problems going forward.

Yup, all you have to do it put your mind to something and those negative thoughts will melt awa- wait, nope. They’re already back. Feel like an old man again.